“It’s all about just getting better at this point,” said Cruz, who recently signed a $43 million contract extension. “I think I have a firm understanding of the offense, and me and Eli have an understanding of how he likes to hit me and things we do out there on the field. So I’m not too concerned about it. Obviously I’m a guy that loves to practice, loves to be out there. Just a short setback. And a time where – you never want to have one – but if there’s a time to have one, it’s now. So it’s not bad.”

Cruz bruised the heel Sunday night trying to catch a long pass from Manning on the opening series. It was a jump ball type of play, and one of the defenders came down on his foot. It immediately went numb.

The Giants have told him his status is day to day, but it looked more week to week with crutches and a boot.

The 26-year-old hopes to shed the crutches soon. He is being treated with ice and medication to reduce the swelling. He added he doesn’t think the injury will linger all season.

“Once the swelling goes down, I think I’ll be OK,” said Cruz, who grew up in nearby Paterson and created a spot for himself with the Giants catching three touchdowns as a free agent receiver against the Jets in 2010.